March 14, 2025

Akahata ‘current’ column

“We appeal, as human beings to human beings: Remember your humanity, and forget the rest. If you can do so, the way lies open to a new Paradise.” – This is a passage from the Russel-Einstein Manifesto which sounded the alarm over the nuclear arms race between the U.S. and the Soviet Union and was described as scientists’ peace declaration. Issued in 1955, the statement called for the abolition of nuclear weapons and the peaceful use of science technologies, receiving support from many scientists, including Japanese physicist and Nobel laureate Yukawa Hideki.

Five years earlier, in 1950, the Science Council of Japan (SCJ) issued a statement refusing to engage in research for military purposes based on a deep remorse over the scientist community’s wartime cooperation during WWII. The council has since repeatedly resolved to never participate in military research and development.

However, the current government led by Prime Minister Ishiba intends to ruin the SCJ’s resolve. The government recently approved a cabinet decision on a bill aimed at undermining academic freedom and the independence of the SCJ as well as transforming the council into an institution that would bend to the will of the government.

A wide range of civil organizations on March 13 jointly held a rally in the Diet building to submit signatures opposing the bill. In the rally, scholars, intellectuals, and journalists appealed for the need to scrap the bill.

Since Akahata reported that former Prime Minister Suga’s refusal of SCJ nominees, the fight against the government’s attempt to interfere in and exercise control over the council has continued in order to prevent Japan from again following a path toward war.

Past related article:
> PM Suga’s refusal of SCJ nominees recalls imperial government suppression of academic freedom [October 23, 2020]